Hyattsville’s Shortcake Bakery shut down Thursday evening after 13 years in business.

Located at 4700 Rhode Island Ave. in a historic castle-like building since 2011, the bakery had to shut down abruptly after the landlord said he wanted to move in a different direction.

Shortcake Bakery owner Cheryl Harrington told the Hyattsville Wire that even though her lease wasn’t up yet, it didn’t make sense to remain, as she would have to pay for maintenance and upgrades on a space she would eventually have to leave.

She decided it was better to just close up shop now, and told customers on the bakery’s Instagram Account. She was surprised when more than 200 showed up Thursday for the last day in business.

“It was overwhelming, but in a good way,” she said.

Harrington is still talking with neighboring Maryland Meadworks about whether to continue with their Sunday brunches, which began during the pandemic. But she said for now she’s looking forward to spending time with family and she’s unsure if she would want to reopen in a new location.

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